“I’ve enjoyed the start of the season. Obviously you enjoy football a lot more when you’re winning games and we’ve started well but we have to continue that now.

“We’ve got a good squad of players here and a good manager.

“It’s important that we keep our momentum. We keep our heads down and keep focused on the job on hand.”

Since leaving Manchester United in 2012, Norwood has spent the past four seasons in the Championship.

Oliver Norwood has helped Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2016.

Having spent two full years at Huddersfield, making more than 80 appearances, he moved to Madejski Stadium in the summer of 2014 and completed his first campaign at Reading.

Now into his second season in Berkshire he believes he has finally learned what it takes to be successful at this level - and he points to that as a reason behind his excellent form for both club and country.

“I just think it’s a maturity thing,” he said.

“I know I’m still only 24 but this is my fourth season now playing in the Championship. I think I’ve realised what it takes to be an effective and good player at this level.

“And obviously playing international football with Northern Ireland has helped. I’m just enjoying playing.”

He added: “I’ve played quite a lot of games for the age I’m at.

“I want to be successful, every player does. But without the lads out there as well it wouldn’t be possible.

“Everybody has started the season really well. We’re a real tight group this year and I think at times maybe we didn’t always have that last season.